911
Targa
Porsche
Unmistakably a chip off the old Porsche block
Earlier this year, Porsche announced the
latest generation of the extravagant 911
model to the public. This model is the
first to combine the classic Targa concept
with state-of-the-art roof technology. Just
like the legendary original Targa, this new
model features the characteristic wide
bar in place of the B-pillars, a movable
roof section abo ve the front seats, and
a wraparound rear window with no
C-pillar. But unlike the classic models,
the roof segment on the new Targa can
be opened and closed at the push of
a button. When the button is actuated,
the fully automatic roof system stows
the convertible top behind the rear seat
system. The rear-weighted design of the
PTM all-wheel drive fitted as standard is
a typical Porsche feature and guarantees
that this latest 911 model also offers
optimum driving dynamics on all road
surfaces and in all weather conditions.
With these features, the new 911 Targa
is presenting itself as a high-quality,
innovative remake of the classic vehicle
from 1965. The model shares a great
deal in common with the 911 Carrera 4
cabriolet models; up to the window line,
the technology and body of the vehicles is
more or less the same. The combination
of the wide rear end that is typical of allwheel drive models, the Targa bar and the
dome-shaped rear window gives the latest
911 an extremely sporty appearance and
a low-slung profile.
As with the previous model, the new
Targa generation comes in two versions
available exclusively with all-wheel drive.
The 911 Targa 4 is powered by a 3.4
litre, 350hp flat engine. Equipped with
Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) and
Sport Chrono package, this model is
quick off the mark and accelerates from
zero to 62 mph in just 4.8 seconds and
boasts a top speed of 173 mph (not that
any of us would go past 70 mph honest,
officer). Its fuel consumption figures are
between 29.7 to 32.5 mpg, depending
on transmission, which corresponds
to a CO2 emissions level of between
223 and 204g/km. The top model is the
911 Targa 4S, which delivers 400hp
from a displacement of 3.8 litres. This
model reaches a top speed of 182 mph
and, with the PDK and Sport Chrono
package fitted, is 0.4 seconds faster than
the Targa 4 in reaching 62 mph from
a standing start. Its fuel consumption
fluctuates between 28.2 and 30.7 mpg,
depending on transmission, which
corresponds to a CO2 level of between
237 and 214g/km. With these figures, the
model is on a par with the high standard
set by the 911 Carrera 4 cabriolet models
in terms of engine and road performance,
as well as efficiency.
The new 911 Targa models went on sale
back in May and are priced from £86,281
and if you fancy the wind in your hair
this summer, pop into the Mid Sussex
Porsche Centre and tell them I sent you.
By Jason Edge
106
The new 911 Targa is
presenting itself as a highquality, innovative remake of
the classic vehicle from 1965
107